Common Sense Media Review
Musical hit is still great fun but quite racy, has sexism.
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Grease
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 53 parent reviews
Parents say this movie, while a classic with memorable songs and performances, contains numerous mature themes and sexual content that may not be suitable for younger viewers, raising concerns about its messaging regarding conformity and relationships. Many reviews suggest that it is best left for teens or older audiences due to its portrayal of sexual innuendos, peer pressure, and implied behaviors that could mislead younger children.
- mature themes
- inappropriate for children
- need for parental guidance
- messages of conformity
- sexual content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 218 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In GREASE, it's the 1950s, and Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) are two teens coming off a heady summer romance. Little do they know that their senior year will find them both at Rydell High School -- but on opposite sides of the subculture spectrum, with Danny the leader of a greaser gang and Sandy the "good girl" who just moved to town. Will the two be able to keep their love going, or does reality have something else in mind for them?
Is It Any Good?
Though it's by no means an accurate portrayal of life in the 1950s, this popular musical delivers an entertaining mix of singing, dancing, and comedy. Grease -- which won a People's Choice Award in 1979 -- is hard to beat. It covers iconic American high school moments: the big pep rally, the school dance, worrying about image, and, of course, falling in love. And it's the most profitable movie musical of all time, with its biggest hit, "Summer Nights," still a standard at weddings, karaoke parties, and dances. Although the story is somewhat weak, the music and contagious energy more than make up for it, as do stellar performances by Travolta, Newton-John, Stockard Channing, and Jeff Conaway. Parents will especially enjoy seeing Travolta in his early days (boy, can he dance!).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Grease is still so popular. What makes it a classic? What do you think of revivals/continuations like Grease: Live! and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies?
Do the movie's themes still resonate today, or do they feel dated?
Do you think Danny and Sandy's romance falls into gender stereotypes, or does the film subvert them?
How do you feel about the way Danny and Sandy change parts of themselves to fit what they think the other person wants? Do they go too far? Where's the line between standing up for yourself, or compromising to make a relationship work, and how do you know when you've crossed it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 16, 1978
- On DVD or streaming : June 3, 2002
- Cast : John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John , Stockard Channing
- Director : Randal Kleiser
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : School ( High School ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexual content
- Last updated : December 30, 2025
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